A $15 million salary cap hit would be unprecedented for NHL teams. Matthews could easily secure such a huge paycheck if he were to enter the open market. However, he is willing to accept about $2 million less per year as a demonstration of his dedication to achieving success with the Leafs.
There is no doubt that Auston Matthews will become the highest-paid player in the NHL next year, a title he truly deserves. However, it will not be an excessive compensation. Instead, it will be a sensible contract that reflects his value as a player.